Linderhof

Gardening, Cooking and Decorating on the Prairie of Kansas

Welcome to Linderhof, our 1920's home on the prairie, where there's usually something in the oven, flowers in the garden for tabletops and herbs in the garden for cooking. Where, when company comes, the teapot is always on and there are cookies and cakes to share in the larder.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Sparkling Ginger Stars and Hot Cocoa

We enjoy the tree every evening. We love the glow from the tree and there is nothing better after dinner especially when the temperatures hover around 15 degrees, than a mug of cocoa and some Christmas cookies, in the living room in front of the tree with carols playing softly.

Oliver, of course, thinks that some of those cookies may be for him (and he may be right -- Husband Jim is a soft touch!)

What a wonderful way to spend a December evening than in front of a roaring fire with cookies and cocoa, carols and a Christmas tree!

The mugs were a gift from dear Friend Carolyn from Florida and their perfect for Christmas cocoa -- for there is enough room in the mug to have six marshmallows (and to me the best reason to drink cocoa!) I love the colors -- mine is the green one while Husband Jim has the red!

And the cookies are also on a Christmas plate from Carolyn -- it's a perfect plate for Christmas cookies or candy!

The cookies are called Sparkling Ginger Stars and they are superb ginger cookies. In fact, I may make this my ginger cookie recipe. The recipe called for them to be cut in star shapes but I think trees would look fantastic as well especially with a heavy dusting of sugar!

They came from this years Dillard's Ultimate Southern Living Christmas Cookbook which dear friend Maybelle gives me. There are some great recipes in it!!!

Shape dough into a ball and divide in half. Flatten each ball into a round disk; wrap each in plastic wrap and chill 2 1/2 hours or until firm.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liner. Roll out dough, 1 section at a time to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into star shapes. Place 1/2 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.

14 comments:

Martha,Oh, Martha, I could feel a lot of love, warmth and comfort in this post. Sharing those stolen moments with hubby and Oliver is truly what life and the holidays are all about! I adore your ottomanscape. . .very intimate! Thank you for this sweet post cocoa and cookies! I, too, drink it for the marshmallows!Fondly,Pat

What a gorgeous Christmas tree--reminds me of my grandmother's lovely trees. My son's wife decorated their first Christmas tree last year with white lights, peacock feathers and gold ornaments--lovely, but my son informed her that this year he wants COLORED lights, old fashioned ornaments and tinsel!

Have you ever visited Kary at www.myfarmhousekitchen.blogspot.comI think you would really appreciate and enjoy her blog!Thanks for the ginger star recipe--I will be baking them with my grandaughter! Love your blog!V.